The Rocks Australia Day 2014

Celebrations don’t come much bigger than The Rocks Australia Day annual festivities in Sydney, and 2014 will be no exception. This year, organisers are set to deliver an event that highlights some of the most loved music acts in the country, alongside interactive installations and games taking over George Street that will bring the sounds and celebration of summer to the streets of The Rock’s.

Taking place from 12pm to 6pm and all for free! The event will feature a selection of incredible artists and activities across various locations within The Rocks including George Street, The Rocks Square and First Fleet Park – giving Sydneysiders a plethora of options to keep their Australia day celebrations kicking on in style!

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Chief Executive Officer Catherine Gallagher says, “We really look forward to sharing Australia Day with Sydneysiders down at The Rocks. The program we’ve put together will deliver a wonderful, festive celebration of music and community; a highlight on the Australia Day calendar of events, with a great line-up of fantastic Australian musical talent.”

Music-lovers on the day will be able to revel in a stellar line up of Australian musical artists including Melbourne soul-funk band The Bamboos; break beat, hip hop and world music outfit Tijuana Cartel; and visual art-freestyle rap fusionist Sketch the Rhyme. Indigenous artists include Emma Donovan and The Putbacks and pop-folk duo Microwave Jenny taking to the stage to perform tracks from their latest releases.

Up-and-coming duo Jones Jnr are set to perform at the transformed Rocks Square, while Papua New Guinean born singer-songwriter Ngaiire will bring her own brand of soul, folk and smooth vocals in a live set that’s sure to resonate with listeners, young and old.

One of Australia’s hottest live outfits Kira Puru and The Bruise will keep the day on a high with their signature mix of clammy grit and tropical, dreamy folktronica, before Sydney-meets-Adelaide “internet teen pop” duo Collarbones take to the stage to round out a truly diverse musical lineup.

Ever wanted to picnic and dance on Sydney’s main street? Well here’s your chance. George Street will provide a buzzing hive of festivity on the day, transforming into a tropical sound playground by the beach with unique experiences for the whole family. Revelers will be able to grab a delicious cocktail from one of the festival’s many pop up bars, join in on some volley ball and other fun games and lounge in a paddling pool while listening to lively beats and sultry sounds at the Tiki Bar.

Those after something a little livelier will look no further than the Karaoke Stage where punters can belt out a ballad or make their way to Hubbub Music’s Sound Garden a wacky interactive music making station filled with all sorts of instruments crafted out of recycled materials.

Offering up a slightly different breed of entertainment will be the Lolo Lovina Caravan Stage, where gypsy world fusion band Lolo Lovina, blues-jazz outfit The Rusty Spring Syncopators and swing-inspired collective Godfrey Uke and his Orchestra will play diverse live sets throughout the day. Those in the need of a little retail therapy and some mouth-watering food delights should look no further than The Rocks Markets.

Framed by the majestic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, and nestled on the edge of the world-famous Sydney Harbour, The Rocks offers an unrivalled blend of the old and the new. From heritage architecture and cobblestone laneways, to stylish modern bars, world-class restaurants and a shopping precinct that has it all.

With the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) as one of its modern ambassadors, The Rocks is emerging as Sydney’s new cultural precinct, and has been transformed into a creative nucleus of contemporary art, festivals and evolving pop-up spaces. The Rocks: it’s a perfect blend of culture, cuisine and a myriad of experiences worth savouring.

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) is proud to manage The Rocks: traditional land of the Cadigal people and the birthplace of European settlement in Australia. Whilst preserving The Rocks’ unique heritage, SHFA produce large scale and intimate quality events, outdoor markets, and educational tours.